Study Suggests Proposition A Would Reduce Teen Smoking

St. Louis, MO – The group pushing the passage of Proposition A in Missouri says raising cigarette taxes would save lives and keep children from ever starting smoking.Citizens for a Healthy Missouri is citing a study from University of Illinois-Chicago researcher Frank Chaloupka which says the 55-cent tax hike would keep more than 49,000 youths from taking up the habit.

Similar studies were also cited in Illinois this spring when lawmakers there were considering a tobacco tax hike. Opponents of Proposition A say smokers shouldn't be hit with a more than 300-percent tax increase.